I cannot do anything about the factors in my life that are causing me stress and whatever decision I make about Mom will not be written in stone and can be undone at a moments notice so from this moment forward I am going to stop with the "What if's" and the "If only's" and get back to living my life.
I weigh more right now than I have ever weighed....even during pregnancies!! It is very easy to make excuses and to blame the stress in my life but perhaps I should stop making excuses and do what needs to be done to control the stress. It is true that you cannot control the stressors but you can control the affect that stress has on your body. I do not have to cope by overeating, overdrinking, sleeping to much, sleeping too little, having no energy and allowing depression to sneak in and overwhelm me.
So while I was waiting for my CT scan today I started jotting down the things that I WILL do to combat this stress that is killing me or if not killing me at least killing my joy.
1. I will eat more fruits and vegetables and less potatoes, rice, pasta and bread. I started on this by ordering a fresh fruit cup with my turkey wrap instead of french fries. I will continue during tonight's dinner by eliminating the Cheese Bread that I was going to make as an accompaniment. I will also need to make some other changes to my Weekly Menu.
2. I will drink more water!! This is so important because if I allow myself to get dehydrated I think I am hungry and eat.
3. I will get some form of exercise each day. I plan on starting tonight by asking Frank to take a walk with me after dinner. Mom is at Dawn's so there is no excuse for sitting around in front of the boob tube all night long.
4. I will start taking my medication more regularly and not just when I feel myself spiraling downwards.
5. I will spend some time each day doing something I find relaxing....reading, painting, quilting, praying, hiking, etc. Today I am going down to work some more on the baby's quilt.
6. I will limit my alcohol intake. This will probably be my biggest challenge.
7. I will learn to say no once in a while....I do not have to be everything to everyone all the time.
8. I will BREATHE....I will make a conscious effort to check in with myself a couple of times a day and make sure I am doing those things that help me to unhunch my shoulders and take a big, deep cleansing breath.
9. I will count my blessings...and they are numerous!!
10. I will continue to spend time here each day, sharing my life.....my triumphs and my burdens...because writing makes me feel better. It is one of the things that helps me to breathe. It also allows me to connect with you, dear reader, as we encourage each other on this journey we call LIFE.
The photo a day challenge (#30summerdays) asked me to post someone who made me smile today. I am posting a picture of myself because making these plans and sharing them with you makes me happy.
I am also linking up with List it Tuesday and Wednesday Whatsits stop by and join the party!! Good Bye Pity Party, I am Thriving at Home!!
I hear you LOUD and CLEAR! I weigh more than I ever have as well. More than I did when we started the downward spiral with Richard's health. And I only get to drink on weekends when Justin is here because I never know when Richard or a teenager will need me with a clear mind. LOL! I just don'e have the energy right now to make any changes. But I will follow along with you and applaud you! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you Paula....I hope putting it out here like this gives me the ooomph to stick with it!!
ReplyDeleteOh you can do this Wendy!!! I have no doubt. Your post is encouraging for all of us! Whenever Im home I would gladly be your exercse buddy!! Kim
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim, travel safely, see you in a few days.
DeleteSometimes we need permission from others to just say to us.... it is ok to say "no" every now and then. I went through that phase a while back. My helping others was getting in the way of studying, and I had to take a class for a second time. Husband not to happy... happy was right... you can help others, but not live their lives. R....
ReplyDeleteMeant to say husband was right.
DeleteThanks Rita, for always having words of encouragement for me.
DeleteI miss you and think of you often you will do it because you are the strongest, bravest, most accomplished woman I have ever met and that's from junior high til present so hang I there I know you will do whatever you put your mind to love to you and yours
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle, I miss you too.
DeleteHi Wendy, I love that pic of you! I don't know if you have ever meditated but it does wonders for me in how I handle stress. On the days I take 10 to 20 minutes to meditate I am always better for it. It is subtle but powerful. I want to make it a daily practice. In honor of the healthy changes you are making I am going to meditate tomorrow morning before I go to work! Love, Shelly
ReplyDeleteThanks Shelly, that pic was taken on Tingting's wedding day. I have tried meditating but I can't seem to shut my brain off....it just keeps on running like the energizer bunny but I am glad that my post has inspired you!!
DeleteI've been trying to get this post to open on my iPad for 2 days...I'm just a computer girl, I guess. I stopped eating flour about a month ago and I've lost a few pounds, but mostly I feel better. Lighter. I have started making fruit and yogurt smoothies for breakfast and munching on whatever veggies and fruits are on sale for snacks. I find munching loudly on baby carrots eases my stress...that and 25 laps in the pool! Good luck to you, you seem pretty perfect to me, but this life needs us to get ourselves a little extra TLC.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa and good for you for taking the steps needed to take care of yourself. It is wonderful when you can find an exercise that you are passionate about and enjoy.
DeleteOh my. I could have written this post two weeks ago. I did start cutting back on everything as well.
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl!!!
Wonderful, we can encourage each other through this. Thanks so much!!
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